Tony Mowbray says Jayson Leutwiler’s extended run in the side was so he could make a judgement call on the out-of-contract goalkeeper.

Leutwiler started Rovers’ final five matches but Mowbray reiterated that David Raya remains his No.1.

Rovers are expected to add to their goalkeeping department this summer, but Mowbray ruled out a move for Burnley goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Leutwiler had made just three appearances for Rovers since his arrival from Shrewsbury in 2017 before his extended run in the side, with Mowbray now set to meet with the Canadian to discuss his long-term future.

“I was of the opinion and I have told both goalkeepers that David is our No.1,” Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“At some stage of the season, with Jayson out of contract I needed to make an assessment over a period of time.

“So my conversations with Jayson will reflect my opinion of how he has done.

“Whether we believe he can be the goalkeeper to challenge David to try and help us get to the Premier League, which is what our ambition has to be, whether it’s to continue building or get in the top six next year, we’ll see.

“Those are the decisions whether we feel the goalkeeping department will be strong enough.”

Raya’s form took a tip during Rovers’ tough run post-January in which they picked up just four points from a possible 33.

The Spaniard will undergo surgery this summer to correct facial injuries sustained in a sickening collision with Jay Rodriguez at West Brom in October.

Mowbray said he wanted to show faith with Raya for as long as possible but admits his form dropped off which also led to him finishing the season on the bench.

On Raya’s upcoming surgery, and his long-term standing, Mowbray added: “It was about fitting in with the surgeon of when was the best timescale.

“It’s not possible to do it just yet, but hopefully it will be done in time for pre-season.

“David, I felt as though he had a difficult spell, yet he was my No.1 goalie and I like to show faith to them.

“I don’t like chopping and changing because you get in to a position when both feel undervalued.

“That’s why I support my goalies, but I got to a point when I wanted to give Jayson an extended run in the side rather than just one game.

“David knows that, he understands, and knows he has to come back ready to roll and make sure he gets the No.1 jersey.”